Teachers hit picket lines
Bill 115 takes away collective bargaining rights: ETFO
WELLAND — Hundreds of teachers walked picket lines in front of Niagara’s pubic elementary schools Tuesday to show the Ontario government they are serious about fighting controversial legislation that changes how teachers bargain collectively.
District School Board of Niagara was forced to close elementary schools Tuesday because of the one- day strike — part of rotating strikes across the province — but teachers say they don’t want to keep students out of the classroom.
Mary MacLaughlin, a teacher at Port Weller Public School in St. Catharines and the political action chair at the Niagara Local of the Elementary Teachers’ Federation of Ontario ( ETFO), said teachers are fi ghting for the future.
“Ultimately, teachers care about students and if our students are to have a lifestyle like most people have enjoyed in this country, we have to step up to the plate to protect that lifestyle,” she said. “Th at includes all of us and we have to hold our politicians accountable.”
ETFO believes Bill 115, the Putting Students First Act, takes away teachers’ right to bargain collectively and takes the ability to make decisions on local issues away from school boards.
Teachers at local schools were not allowed to speak on the record to reporters. Still, they do want it known they are not striking for more money or sick days. Th ey just want the right to continue bargaining.
“We do not believe that in a democratic society any government should have the authority to repeal the Charter of Rights and Freedoms,” MacLaughlin said.
Although teachers are expected to return to the classroom today they will continue their work- to- rule campaign. Extracurricular activities will continue to be limited.
“Th ey want to be in classroom with their students, but sometimes personal sacrifices are necessary for the greater good,” MacLaughlin said.
McKay teachers who would not identify themselves by name said the public showed support Tuesday with honks and kind words, but just around the corner at Steele Street Public School teachers said they had dealt with some harsh words shouted from car windows.
“I would ask anyone to take the time to find out what Bill 115 involves and to realize this fi ght is not just the teachers fi ght, it’s for every Canadian citizen,” MacLaughlin said.
While Tuesday’s job action posed some inconvenience to parents, Th e City of Welland and Town of Pelham each provided day- camp programming for displaced students.